KEETMANSHOOP – //Kharas Regional Council chairperson Joseph Isaacks says nepotism and bias in the recruitment process within the public sector are rife in the region, and result in unnecessary unease and conflict.
Isaacks made these remarks in a speech read on his behalf during a consultation meeting by the Public Service Commission (PSC) last Thursday.
He said while recruitment should be executed with all the necessary diligence, professionalism and integrity, it is unfortunate that such a noble task is at times compromised and nepotism, corruption and bias surface during the processes.
“The demonstration that we witnessed a few weeks ago at a local school in Keetmanshoop was proof that people from other regions are appointed to the disadvantage of the inhabitants of this region who vote in this region in the hope of benefitting. The old narrative which is advanced is that southerners don’t apply or don’t qualify for jobs, but being in this public service for more than 30 years, I also know the other side of the story,” he said.

The chairperson added: “I hope that the engagements from today will put us on the right path again, and that we will realise that we are working with the most precious creation of our Lord, human capital. I hope our actions as human resource spractitioners will change henceforth when we are doing recruitments. 

I urge you to be fair and above board with your recruitment processes,” he said.

PSC chairperson, Salmaan Jacobs said it is important that there is a close and healthy relationship between public servants and politicians.
“There should be a harmonising relationship between public servants and politicians. 

Public servants are there permanently, they will be there forever, they should continue to deliver services to the people. 

We know politicians come and go and they have made promises to the public. Therefore that aspect should be strengthened and professionalised. Even when politicians want to interfere, they should see that the public service has a strong and competent system that works,” he said.
Jacobs added that it is time the conditions of service of public servants are prioritised and well-looked-after.
The meeting was attended by commissioners and officials from the PSC as well as heads of line ministries and agencies in the region.
-Nampa